Kick

The True Story of JFK's Sister and the Heir to Chatsworth

De: Paula Byrne

Narrado por: Antonia Beamish

“Paula Byrne brings J.F.K.’s adored little sister, Kick, back to life.” —Vanity Fair

From celebrated biographer Paula Byrne, the remarkable life of the vivacious, unconventional—and nearly forgotten—young Kennedy sister who charmed American society and the English aristocracy, and would break with her family for love.

Encouraged to be “winners” from a young age, Rose and Joe Kennedy’s children were the embodiment of ambitious, wholesome Americanism. Yet even within this ebullient group of overachievers, the fourth Kennedy child, the irrepressible Kathleen, stood out. Lively, charismatic, extremely clever, and blessed with graceful athleticism and a sunny disposition, the alluring socialite fondly known as Kick was a firecracker who effortlessly made friends and stole hearts.

Moving across the Atlantic when her father was appointed as the ambassador to Great Britain in 1938, Kick—the “nicest Kennedy”—quickly became the family’s star. Despite making little effort to fit into British high society, she charmed everyone from the beau monde to Fleet Street with her unconventional attitude and easygoing humor. Growing increasingly independent, Kick would also shock and alienate her devout family by falling in love and marrying the scion of a virulently anti-Catholic family— William Cavendish, the heir apparent of the Duke of Devonshire and Chatsworth. But the marriage would last only a few months; Billy was killed in combat in 1944, just four years before Kick’s own unexpected death in an airplane crash at twenty-eight.

Byrne recounts this remarkable young woman’s life in detail as never before, from her work at the Washington Times-Herald and volunteerism for the Red Cross in wartime England; to her love of politics and astute, opinionated observations; to her decision to renounce her faith for the man she loved. Sympathetic and compelling, Kick shines a spotlight on this feisty and unique Kennedy long relegated to the shadows of her legendary family’s history.

Filling the backstory

Full of information that fills out the life of Kick Kennedy. I very much enjoyed this biography. My only issue was the awkward American pronunciation.

Well done

Good history of Kathleen Kennedy Cavendish sister of JFK and her family. Very well done, narrator was excellent.

The Kennedy history

Much more depth of the Kennedy family tragedies _ very moving &honest and gives a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy _

Discovering Kick Kennedy

I was ten when JFK was killed, watched his funeral on TV. Later I hoped Bobby would win the presidency and was devastated when he was killed. I had never heard about Kick until I read this book. A great tribute to a lovely human being!

Kick’s courage and audacity.

The pace was slow at times. Overall story was enjoyable. I am glad I read it.